11/15/2025
I get a chuckle when people heap praise on us for being "selfless" when it comes to giving sanctuary to troubled dogs. Many people will get this, while many others will think "HUH!?" I've tried to explain, but unless one, at least, has a love of dogs in general most won't understand. This is not "selfless." It is "selfish." Felling the actual love and trust develop in a new sanctuary dog is unlike any other experience. We get to see, usually on a daily basis, that development. And in that there is an overcoming sense of love and contentment. On our part. I cannot express the utter joy that we get every single day. This is certainly true of the dog here, Addie. When we first got him he avoided us, wouldn't make eye contact, cowered if we held a broom, shovel or most any other object and the hardest thing to see is that he wouldn't eat unless we put his dish in the center of our 2 acre yard so he could see anything approaching. Then one day we woke up and he was in the bed, at the feet. Then he started coming to eat, then he started going berserk whenever we had been gone--even to the mailbox- excitedly wagging his tail and hopping around. But I think the most endearing thing to me is that no matter where I am, inside, outside, walking by or lying in bed, every time I am in close proximity, Addies takes the time to come to me and lick my hand. He rolls on his back for bell rubs and loves to rub noses. It is this kind of earned love that makes me wish for nothing else. We are the richest, luckiest guys in the world. And.....Addie, I ADOORE YOU!
